Chapter 16 – The Encounter in the Forest
The first rays of sunlight broke through the window of Ashton's chamber.
As always, he sat cross-legged on the floor, back straight, his breathing steady as he sank into meditation.
The flow of [Ether Breathing] filled his body, drawing the invisible current of energy from the air into his lungs, his skin, and finally into his heart.
Yet something felt wrong. For days now, he had sensed it — a wall, an invisible barrier that refused to let him advance further.
No matter how much Ether he absorbed, no matter how long he sat, his growth had slowed.
"Tch… I'm stuck," Ashton whispered, opening one eye.
He searched his memories, recalling the fantasy novels he used to read in his past life.
Whenever the protagonist hit a wall, they didn't hold back.
They risked everything and broke through by force.
A dangerous idea, but Ashton had never been one to back down.
"Fine," he muttered, straightening his back.
"Let's see how much I can take."
He opened the floodgates. Ether surged toward him like a river.
His body convulsed, his veins felt as if molten metal coursed through them. His chest screamed in pain, his throat burned raw.
Blood poured from his nose and trickled from his lips. He bit down hard on his tongue to keep from screaming, the copper taste filling his mouth.
Minutes turned to agony. His vision blurred, his heart pounded as though it might burst. Yet Ashton endured.
Thirty long minutes later, the wild current suddenly calmed. His heart pulsed once, twice — then the Ether within him flowed more smoothly than ever before, refined and obedient.
Collapsing onto the blood-stained floor, Ashton gasped for air, his body trembling. Slowly, the Ether began to repair his torn insides.
"Stage two," he whispered hoarsely. A weak grin tugged at his lips. "Finally."
He dragged himself to the nearby lake, washing the blood from his face, his tongue slowly healing.
He cleaned his chamber, scrubbing away the stains before anyone could see them. By the time he finished, the village was already stirring with life.
At the blacksmith's forge, the sound of hammering rang out.
"Good morning, Kiran," Ashton greeted.
The man stopped, wiping his brow before bowing slightly. "Good morning, Your Majesty."
"Yes, good morning. Did you sleep well?" Ashton asked casually.
"I did, thank you, Your Majesty," Kiran replied with a faint smile.
"Good. I have a task for you. Forge armor and weapons for the elite soldiers — but not ordinary ones.
I want them imbued with the same effects as mine. Strong, durable, able to draw on Ether."
Kiran's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly bowed. "As you command, Your Majesty."
Satisfied, Ashton nodded and walked away.
Two days passed in preparation. Finally, clad in full armor, Ashton stood in his room when a knock sounded at his door.
Dino entered. "Your Majesty, the preparations are ready."
"Good," Ashton replied.
At the main gate, the elite soldiers stood assembled, Syph among them. The villagers gathered to watch, murmuring with respect as Ashton approached.
Christina was there as well. "Good morning, Your Majesty."
"Yes, good morning," Ashton returned the greeting. He lowered his voice. "I leave the village to you, Christina. Don't let me down."
She bowed deeply. "Leave it to me, Your Majesty."
"And… help me with the paperwork while I'm gone," Ashton added, his eyes pleading despite his calm tone.
Christina's expression twitched, though she hid it quickly. Damn it, he got me again. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Internally, Ashton grinned. Heh. Nailed it.
The expedition departed.
After two days of marching, they reached the edge of the forest of magical beasts and set up camp.
The air was thick with Ether, and the sounds of unseen creatures echoed in the distance.
At dawn, Ashton rose earlier than the others and wandered beyond the camp, enjoying the silence. For a moment, he let his guard down.
A sudden whistle tore through the air. An arrow shot past his ear, grazing it.
He froze, then spun around as another arrow flew — faster, imbued with energy. He barely avoided it, activating [Clairvoyance] to predict its path.
"Damn… that could've killed me." His cheek stung as blood trickled from a shallow cut.
"And worse… it ruined my beautiful face."
He scanned the trees with narrowed eyes, tracing the Ether flow. There — a figure perched on a high branch.
A boy, his bow drawn, red and black hair wild, eyes a piercing red. Scars marked his chest, and his tanned skin gleamed with sweat.
The boy noticed Ashton's gaze and leapt from the branch, sprinting away.
"Oh no, you don't." Ashton muttered, using [Shadow Step]. In an instant, he appeared behind him, blade at the boy's throat.
"Stop," Ashton said coldly. "Who are you, and why attack me?"
The boy didn't flinch. His voice rang out, archaic and firm.
"Because thou art a god, or so mine eyes did swear. And gods I despise."
Ashton exhaled through his nose. Not this again. "I'm no god. Name's Ashton. Just a man… though apparently too beautiful for my own good."
The boy's eyes narrowed. "Thy tongue is sharp, stranger, yet thy movements betray a power not of mortals. Speak plain — what art thou?"
"I told you. A human. Nothing more," Ashton said evenly, though his blade pressed closer. "Now answer me. Who are you?"
Slowly, the boy tilted his chin, defiance in his gaze.
"I am Kyen-Seen. Once of a village now ash and bone, destroyed by the caprice of gods. Since that day, I have walked alone, bow in hand, and trust I give not freely."
Ashton studied him, then withdrew the blade a fraction but didn't lower it.
"I get it. You've got every reason not to trust anyone. But shooting strangers on sight? That's one way to get yourself killed."
Kyen-Seen gave a bitter chuckle. "Better to loose an arrow than fall unawares. This forest spares no fool."
"You've got a point," Ashton admitted. "But next time, maybe try talking before trying to pierce my skull."
The boy's gaze flickered with amusement, though his tone remained guarded. "Strange words from one clad in steel.
Yet thy presence is… unlike others. Thou art no god, yet neither wholly mortal. 'Tis unsettling."
Ashton sighed. "You're not the first to say that. But believe me, I bleed, I break, I hurt — just like anyone else."
Kyen-Seen tilted his head, scrutinizing him. "Mayhap thou speakest true. Yet mark me, Ashton: I know not thy heart. Trust is earned, and thine I do not yet grant."
"I wouldn't expect you to," Ashton replied simply. "You don't trust me, I don't trust you. Fair enough. But let's be clear — if you try that again, I won't hesitate."
The boy smirked faintly. "And if thou betrayest me, stranger, my arrow shall find thy throat ere thou canst blink."
The two stared at one another, the forest silent around them. Neither moved to attack, yet neither relaxed.
Finally, Ashton lowered his blade, though his hand stayed close to the hilt. "So… we're not enemies. Not yet. Call it cautious neutrality."
Kyen-Seen's lips curved slightly.
"Aye. Neutral, until fate decides otherwise."
The tension lingered, but something unspoken passed between them — recognition, perhaps, of the strength in the other.
They were not allies, not friends.
Not yet. But their paths had crossed, and neither could deny the other's existence now.
Far above, in the divine palace, the God of Beauty sneezed. "Hmph. Someone speaks of me again…"
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